Prairie Pothole Region

Level I Ducks Unlimited conservation priority area, the most important and threatened waterfowl habitat in North America

The Prairie Pothole Region is the core of what was once the largest expanse of grassland in the world, the Great Plains of North America. Its name comes from a geological phenomenon that left its mark beginning 10,000 years ago. When the glaciers from the last ice age receded, they left behind millions of shallow depressions that are now wetlands, known as prairie potholes. The potholes are rich in plant and aquatic life, and support globally significant populations of breeding waterfowl. Agricultural development caused considerable wetland drainage in the area. The Great Plains and Prairie Pothole Region are No. 1 on the 25 most important and threatened waterfowl habitats on the continent.

Importance to waterfowl

Millions of ducks and geese pass through the PPR each spring, nesting in the grasslands.

Nest success and hen mortality during breeding are the most important factors responsible for change in mid-continent mallard populations.

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